South Africa is at a crossroads when it comes to infrastructure delivery. Decades of underinvestment, poor maintenance, and project mismanagement have left many of our public assets in decline – from roads and water systems to schools and hospitals. Yet the solutions are within reach, if we’re prepared to act decisively.

In my recent media engagements in May, including interviews with John Perlman on Radio 702 and on #TheSouthAfricanMorning show on eNCA, I have highlighted a recurring truth: we cannot fix South Africa’s infrastructure problems without qualified, competent engineers at the helm of our projects.

Too often, critical infrastructure work is awarded to entities lacking the technical capacity or track record to deliver. This not only leads to project failures and financial waste but also erodes public trust and puts essential services at risk.

If government departments and implementing agencies are unable to adequately assess and appoint capable service providers, then partnerships with industry bodies like CESA become essential. These collaborations are not new – and when implemented properly, they respect public procurement laws while enhancing the integrity of the appointment process.

Organisations, like CESA, bring valuable oversight, offering independent, non-exclusive vetting of firms based on established professional and ethical standards. Our members undergo rigorous assessments and are held accountable for the quality and integrity of their work. We believe this level of scrutiny and accountability should be a baseline – not an exception – when it comes to infrastructure projects that impact millions of lives.

Let’s be clear: the responsibility for infrastructure delivery doesn’t rest with engineers alone. It lies with all stakeholders from government to industry, from planners to contractors. But when the right professionals are appointed for the right work, the results speak for themselves. Projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with lasting value.

The time has come to move beyond short-term fixes and fragmented efforts. We need bold partnerships, competent leadership, and a shared commitment to excellence. Let’s change the narrative – not just by talking about it, but by putting the right engineers to work building South Africa’s future.